Lesson 11: Participate in a Biological Survey

Lesson Information

Summary: Students help scientists monitor habitat health and biodiversity by participating in biological surveys and inventories.
Duration: Four hours or more
Group size: Any
Materials: Access to the Internet

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Collect data and organize information relating to ocean communities.
• Cultivate a sense of stewardship towards marine species and aquatic habitats through a biological survey.

Background

All animals and plants are interconnected in a vast web of life. The cement that holds this web together is biodiversity. (See the Teacher's Notes for a detailed discussion on the three levels of biodiversity.) Yet much of our biodiversity is disappearing, even before scientists have a chance to study or name many species. Scientists estimate that, at the current rate of extinction, as many as 25 per cent of all species on Earth — from micro-organisms to mammals — could vanish early in this century. Of the approximately 1,100 fish species in Canada, four have become extinct, two extirpated, and 54 listed as endangered, threatened, or vulnerable. This decline in biodiversity is cause for serious concern. The health of entire ecosystems is placed in jeopardy when key links are lost in the web of life. Wild species have already given us many life-saving medicines, and there's no telling how many scientific discoveries will never be made if we let species vanish.

Biodiversity disappears because of habitat disruption and loss, overharvesting, and the invasion of aquatic ecosystems by non-native species. These alien invaders sometimes upset the balance of an ecosystem so badly that native species disappear. For example, purple loosestrife was brought to Canada from Europe. Many people planted this exotic wildflower in their gardens. Now the species is rapidly invading Canadian wetlands, choking out native cat-tails and bulrushes. As these important plants disappear, so do the species that rely on them for food and shelter.

What can be done to conserve biodiversity? Canada ratified the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and drew up its own Canadian Biodiversity Strategy. This strategy builds on many laws, policies, and programs that already exist in Canada and promotes a more ecological approach to the way we use natural resources.

Scientists help biodiversity by gathering information on the range, abundance, and behaviours of wild species. This data makes it possible to understand the threats to biodiversity (such as habitat loss and the spread of alien invaders) and to propose solutions. Your students can help, too, by assisting scientists who are conducting biological surveys nationwide.

Procedure

1. Discuss biodiversity, its significance, and threats to species inhabiting ocean communities. Emphasize the importance of gathering scientific data. Information on the range, diversity, and abundance of wild plants and animals lets scientists know if there is cause for alarm and helps them recommend actions to protect species and their habitats. Explain that scientists can benefit from having "many eyes", namely volunteers across the country who take time to report wildlife observations.
2. Have your students investigate CWF's online Directory of Wildlife Surveys.
3. Ask them to report on aquatic surveys in which they would like to participate. Together, the class can agree on one survey.
4. Use information provided in the directory to contact the survey administrator by phone, fax, or e-mail. Ask for details on how your students can participate.

Evaluation

Have your students do additional research on the species surveyed, including life history, ecological importance, and threats to the species and its habitat, then report to the school or community.